Suburban Rehab and Development Group | Best Wood and Vinyl Fencing in Glen Ellyn, IL

In Glen Ellyn, the primary cause is freeze-thaw cycles. Water saturates the soil around the post, then freezes and expands, pushing the post upward and sideways. When the ground thaws, the post can settle at an angle, especially if the concrete base wasn't deep enough. Poor drainage from nearby lawns or driveways can worsen the issue.

Signs of ice damage include bent or bowed rails, cracked welds at the joints, or rust forming where ice scraped off the protective coating. After a thaw, check for panels that no longer sit level or gates that won't latch properly. In Glen Ellyn's climate, ice buildup on top rails can also distort the shape over time.

For leaners, we typically dig out the old post, remove the compacted concrete, and reset it deeper (below the frost line, about 42 inches in this area). We add gravel at the base for drainage and use a concrete mix designed for cold climates. If the post is rotted or rusted, we replace it with a pressure-treated or galvanized steel post. We also check that surface water from nearby lawns isn't pooling around the post base.